The 38-year-old Somerset captain went past Bradman's total of 28,067 runs when making 107 - his 86th first-class century and 100th hundred in all competitions - in his side's 428 for six against Worcestershire in the English county championship.

The New Road venue was the ground where Bradman scored three double centuries - 236 in 1930, 206 in 1934 and 258 in 1938 - and then signed off with 107 on his final visit in 1948.

Langer, who has now scored 28,080 runs, said: "I'm thrilled to beat the record.

"Not so much to go past him because Bradman is in a league of his own. But just scoring this many runs is a tribute to having played for such a long time and having worked so hard to score lots of runs."

Langer became more aware of the impending record as the season unfolded.

"I would never have thought about this target," he said, "but a lot of people have reminded me of it over the last couple of months. But I've got other milestones I'd like to tick off throughout this summer."

When he calls time on his playing days has yet to decided.

"I still feel I've got some cricket left in me and I'm enjoying this project at Somerset," he added.

"From where we were three years ago to be challenging in all First Division competitions is really good."

Matthew Hayden, a close friend and former opening partner of Langer, paid tribute to the batsman.

He said: "It is very fitting that a man of Justin's calibre takes this honour because when you break a record of one of the greatest individuals, that being Sir Donald Bradman, it has to be by a person of quality."